A Cautionary Tale

Created by Maija Polsley & Serafina Fiore

Logline 

In the struggle for a free and independent Ukraine comes a 20th century tale of inner strength and faith through harrowing years of horror, love, sorrow, loss and ultimately family redemption in the United States. 

Nina’s century-old memoirs of the life she experienced under Lenin, and then Stalin, are eerily prophetic of what Ukrainians experience today under Putin. Despite its history as a sovereign Republic, the dictators of Russia have always struggled to keep their ruthless treatment of Ukraine hidden through master manipulation, propaganda and brutal repression. 

Concept 

A riches-to-rags binge-worthy mini-series about a family of noble ancestry who helped shape the future of Ukraine. Spanning from 1916-1957, it is based on the memoirs and recollections of the main character, Nina Maknowich. Born into the bourgeoisie sector (the upper-middle class) of Imperial Russia, Nina comes of age just as Ukraine wins its 1000 year fight for freedom. Surrounded by eccentric family members and elites of the arts and sciences, Nina’s colorful world soon unravels. Celebrations turn into bloody massacres. Executions, exiles, man-made famines and cannibalism pepper her days, months and years to come. Through three famines and three wars, her fight for survival is seemingly endless. 

The perpetual strength and unwavering nationalism of the Ukrainian people is a prevalent theme. It is the everyday small gestures and acts of fate that become pivotal to Nina’s survival.